Day Three

Day 3 saw us on the notorious Quadbuster, a steep climb right out of Rest Stop 2. I personally think Quadbuster is a little overrated – there are other, equally nasty, hills on the ride, especially on Day 5. But one of the great sights of the ride is stronger riders riding up Quadbuster again and again, offering help and encouragement to riders having a tough time of it.

Day 3 is historically one of the more difficult days on the ride, partly because of the large hill (“Quadbuster”) near the beginning of the route, partly because it’s the third day. Most riders train two long days in a row (back-to-back weekend rides), so their bodies are used to two long rides. On Day 3, they begin to extend their bodies beyond their training, and crankiness (and increased injuries) can result.

This year the weather cooperated beautifully, and it was a smooth and wonderful ride.

Day 3 also sees us in the small town of Bradley, where they have an annual BBQ fundraiser for their school. Hot, tasty BBQ and helping a good cause: could anything be better?